Stephen Anthony Ray

Just in case you haven’t read my latest reflection: I was granted the wonderful honor of being named the 1st place winner of the Metropolitan Opera Mid-South Regional Auditions in Memphis over the weekend. What a blessing! I received some prize money, an all expense paid trip to New York City (where I will participate in the National Semi-finals on the stage of the MET!), and the offer of a full graduate scholarship to the University of Memphis’ Scheidt School of Music. A special thanks to Drs. Jon and Glenda Secrest, my voice coaches, and Camille Brown, my accompanist. They’ve put up with a lot for me and I couldn’t have come this far without them. I also thank my friends and family, mainly Mom and Dad, for their prayerful support and encouragement. God be praised. Nothing is possible without him. But with him, as I’m seeing more and more every day, the sky’s the limit.

SRay

Today I participated in the Arkansas District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. And thanks be to the Lord, I advanced to the regionals in Memphis, Tennessee to be held February 18, 2006. I was one of three selected to advance (of sixteen auditionees). This is a huge honor and I appreciate all of the prayers and support I’ve received from friends and family, especially Dr. Jon Secrest and my Mom and Dad. This will hopefully be a big step in a much longer process. Stay tuned…

SRay

Tonight we just had our first rehearsal for the band. I must say that I am really looking forward to working with these guys. Justin Sanders is an awesome percussionist and really easy to work with. Daniel, as you well know, is amazing at bass and has great ideas for improving our sound. Aaron Harp - phenomenal. Matt Morrison is a violinist - enough said. And Jon Cole plays trumpet like Michael Jordan played basketball. Let’s just say I’m excited! Furthermore, to watch how God is bringing this project to fruition - start to finish - is really helping me understand his character more. What God initiates, God orchestrates! I would never have thought that it were possible to have all these resources (from musicians to supporters) available to me. But God is faithful. And this project will most certainly glorify him. To him alone be the glory!

Stay tuned…

SRay

The news is that God is continuing to faithfully orchestrate and sustain the project of moving toward the release of my second CD, to be released in the Spring of 2006! As anyone with a limited budget could understand, it has been difficult in the past to move things into place for recording and production. However, God has shown his unending provision in recent months by providing an amazing backup ensemble and production staff dedicated to His glory and edification. I’m pleased to annouce the backup vocal ensemble for the upcoming project: Cammie Shivley and Megan Moore, Sopranos; Jenna Morgan and Sherrill Lynn Brownfield, Altos; Ryan Allen and Drew Greenway; male voices. Furthermore, on bass guitar is Daniel Eaton. And for percussion, Justin Sanders. And working hard behind the scenes in production is noted recording engineer and dear friend, Aaron Harp. Furthermore, I want to thanks every person who has had some involvement in this project, including my wonderful family and the students of Ouachita Baptist University. I also want to express my utmost thanks to Sekou Molette, my producer and manager, as well as Sonya Moore, consultant for this second project. If not for your constant encouragement and pushing, this wouldn’t even be a possibility. God Bless you all!

We all share two things. Firstly, we all love good music. But more importantly, we love to worship God and see him glorified by his people. Personally, I want to thank this team of passionate Christ-followers for their committment to this project and continued diligence in seeing it through to completion. Certainly, there are more names to come. And as we move closer to the release date, I’ll be sure to keep you informed of how things are going here in Arkadelphia. Stay in touch!